Device for a screen wiping system of a motor vehicle

Abstract

For the purpose of providing a robust device (10) which can be operated easily for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm (50) for a screen wiping system of a motor vehicle, said device comprises: an adapter (20) which is configured such that it can be connected to the wiper blade; a receiving element (30) which is configured such that it can be connected to the wiper arm (50) and has an adapter opening (32) for receiving the adapter (20); wherein the adapter (20) has at least two locking regions (22, 24) which can be deformed with respect to one another and are configured to lock the adapter (20) to the receiving element (30) in a locking position; and an actuating means (40) for unlocking the locking regions (22, 24), wherein, in an unlocking position, the actuating means (40) engages into an engagement opening (34) of the receiving element (30) and, in the process, the two locking regions (22, 24) are deformed with respect to one another by the actuating means (40) in such a way that the adapter (20) can be removed through the adapter opening (32).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a device for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm for a windscreen wiping system of a motor vehicle. Background of the invention

[0002] A conventional windshield wiper system for a motor vehicle typically comprises a wiper arm attached to the vehicle. A replaceable wiper blade is attached to this wiper arm by means of an adapter. In known embodiments, the wiper blade and adapter can form a single assembly. For this purpose, the wiper blade is connected to the adapter, and the adapter can be detachably attached to the wiper arm in an adapter receptacle.

[0003] A common fastening method for such a standard wiper system is a top-lock mechanism. The adapter mount in this type of locking system is also frequently referred to as a "slider." The wiper blade adapter has a push button on its upper side, facing away from the window pane, to release the wiper blade, which is attached to the wiper arm by the adapter.

[0004] In addition, in recent years the wiper arms have been further developed into wet arm systems for the direct wet cleaning of the window pane: The wiper arm contains, for example, a hose for supplying a cleaning fluid and integrated washing nozzles.

[0005] For functional reasons, these washer nozzles and the hose should preferably be covered by a cap. This cap extends over the entire wiper arm, which would prevent access to a top-lock release button. Furthermore, the cap is attached to the underside of the adapter mount (the side facing the window) using a locking mechanism, which significantly complicates operation when changing the wiper blade. Therefore, wet-arm wiper systems require different methods for unlocking the wiper blade.

[0006] US Patent 2018 / 162326 A1 discloses a device for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm for a motor vehicle's windshield wiper system. This device comprises an adapter designed to connect to the wiper blade and a receiving element designed to connect to the wiper arm, which has an adapter opening for receiving the adapter. The adapter has at least two mutually deformable locking areas configured to lock the adapter to the receiving element in a locked position. The device also includes an actuating means for unlocking the locking areas.

[0007] For the standard wiper systems without a wet arm described above, a locking mechanism between the wiper arm and wiper blade using an adapter is also known from US 2019 / 0031151 A1. This locking mechanism comprises an elastic locking arm with a push button, located outside the adapter receptacle. However, the elastic locking arm, as a locking and unlocking device, has the disadvantage of breaking easily under excessive stress. Furthermore, the locking and unlocking devices have a large number of components, resulting in higher costs and more difficult operation.

[0008] A similar locking mechanism for standard wiper systems is also known from FR 3 091 237 A1.

[0009] Various locking mechanisms are known for wet-arm wiper systems from US 2015 / 0013095 A1. Among others, in Fig. 1US Patent 2015 / 0013095 A1 lists various embodiments with hooks, arms with lateral pins, arms with push buttons / sliders, and arms with clamping tabs. However, these locking mechanisms would prevent the use of the preferred cover cap, as the cover cap, as described above, is intended to extend over the entire wiper arm. Furthermore, the locking and unlocking devices also suffer from the problem of relying on small hooks, pins, arms, and clamping tabs, which make operation difficult and break easily under excessive stress. Here, too, the locking and unlocking devices have a large number of components, resulting in higher costs and more difficult operation.

[0010] Similarly, a locking mechanism using a slider is known for a wet-arm wiper system from DE 10 2010 052 314 A1. This slider would also prevent the use of the preferred cover cap. Furthermore, the intended insertion of locking lugs into corresponding recesses makes operation more difficult, as these are covered by the slider and therefore not visible to the user. A large number of components for the locking and unlocking mechanisms are also required, resulting in higher costs and more difficult operation.

[0011] DE 11 2015 003232 T5 discloses an adapter for connecting a wiper blade to a drive arm of the blade, wherein the adapter is configured to be connected to a connector of the blade with one degree of freedom for pivoting about a pivot axis, wherein the adapter is further configured to be inserted into a fork-shaped end part of the arm, wherein the adapter comprises locking means which are elastically deformable, which are configured to cooperate with the end part to firmly connect the adapter to the end part, and means for actuating the locking means which are separate from the locking means.

[0012] Further examples of state-of-the-art technology include CA 2 898 928 A1 and US 2014 / 259507 A1.

[0013] In summary, known devices for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm are prone to breakage of the locking and unlocking mechanisms under overload, and the use of small components makes operation difficult. The large number of components in these known locking and unlocking mechanisms also results in increased production and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, these known devices are not suitable for use in both a standard wiper system without a wet arm and a wet arm system with a cover cap.

[0014] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a cost-effective and safe device for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm for a windscreen wiping system of a motor vehicle, which allows for easy operation and prevents the locking or unlocking means from breaking off in case of overload. Summary of the invention

[0015] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0016] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a device for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm for a windshield wiping system of a motor vehicle, comprising an adapter that is designed to be connectable to the wiper blade; a receiving element that is designed to be connectable to the wiper arm and has an adapter opening for receiving the adapter; wherein the adapter has at least two locking areas that are deformable relative to each other and are configured to lock the adapter to the receiving element in a locking position; and an actuating means for unlocking the locking areas, wherein in an unlocking position the actuating means engages in an engagement opening of the receiving element and thereby deforms the two locking areas relative to each other by the actuating means in such a way that the adapter can be removed through the adapter opening.

[0017] By engaging the actuating element in the engagement opening, the two mutually deformable locking areas can be deformed simultaneously with a single actuation by the user, which significantly simplifies operation. Furthermore, the force required for locking and unlocking is distributed across at least two locking areas, thereby increasing the overall load-bearing capacity of the device. In addition, in the device according to the invention, the adapter is locked to the adapter receptacle at least twice via the locking areas, which significantly improves the security of the locking mechanism. Since the device also has only a few components, it can be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the actuating means can be actuated along an actuation direction, and the distance between the two locking regions, which is orthogonal to an actuation direction, is greater in the locked position than in the unlocked position. Thus, the distance between the two locking regions can be easily reduced with just one movement of the actuating means along the actuation direction. This reduction of the distance allows the adapter to be removed through the adapter opening.

[0019] In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the engagement opening is arranged on an end face of the device according to the invention. This arrangement allows for use in both a standard wiper system without a wet arm and a wet arm system with a cover cap. Due to this end-face arrangement of the engagement opening, the cover cap can extend from the engagement opening over the rest of the wiper arm. This allows areas to be covered that would not be covered by a known top-lock mechanism. In this embodiment, the device is preferably elongated. It is further preferred that the engagement opening is arranged opposite a connecting side of the receiving element, wherein the receiving element is connected to the wiper arm at the connecting side.

[0020] In one embodiment, at least one of the locking areas has a wedge-shaped cross-section. This makes the device particularly resistant to the forces acting upon it during actuation. A tapered end of the locking area is in contact with the actuating means, and the wedge geometry increases the fracture resistance of the locking area.

[0021] In another embodiment, the adapter opening corresponds to the access opening. Since only one opening is required, both the manufacture and operation of the device are further simplified.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, each locking area has a detent lug, and in the locked position, the detent lug engages in a detent opening of the receiving element. The engagement of a locking area with the detent opening of the receiving element ensures a secure and easily releasable connection between the adapter and the receiving element.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the actuating means comprises a push button, and at least two release areas, each with a leading-edge contour, are arranged on the push button. These leading-edge contours are designed to deform the locking areas relative to each other in the unlocked position. The leading-edge contour is configured such that actuation or movement of the push button deforms the locking areas relative to each other. This ensures particularly efficient unlocking.

[0024] In another embodiment, the locking areas each have an end piece. When the actuating element engages the engagement opening, the contact contour rests against the end piece. This contact enables a particularly simple method of force transmission from the actuating element to the locking areas in order to deform them relative to each other.

[0025] It is particularly preferred that the approach contour is designed such that, when the actuating element is moved along the actuating direction towards the unlocking position, the end piece performs a movement along the approach contour. This allows the locking areas to be deformed relative to each other particularly easily for the unlocking position.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the actuating element is designed such that, when engaging the engagement opening, the approach contour is inclined at least in a partial area relative to the direction of actuation. This allows the respective end piece to be moved along the corresponding approach contour, causing the locking areas to deform relative to each other and towards the direction of actuation. This ensures a well-controlled deformation of the locking areas.

[0027] In all embodiments of the present invention, the receiving element can be integrally connected to the wiper arm. This integral design allows for a cost-effective windshield wiping system. Alternatively, the receiving element and the wiper arm can be formed in two parts. Preferably, they are then detachably connected to each other. This modular design simplifies the use of the device according to the invention for different wiper arms.

[0028] The problem mentioned above is also solved by a motor vehicle that has at least one of the previously disclosed devices. The aforementioned advantages apply accordingly. Character description

[0029] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. These show: Figure 1a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention in a locked position, Figure 2 a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention in an unlocked position, and Figure 3 a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention in an unlocked position similar to Figure 2 . Detailed description

[0030] Figure 1 Figure 10 shows a device 10 according to the invention for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm 50 for a windshield wiper system of a motor vehicle. The device 10 comprises an adapter 20, a receiving element 30 and an actuating means 40. Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a locking position of the device 10, in which the adapter 20 is locked to the receiving element 30. A wiper blade for windshield cleaning can be attached to the adapter 20, which simplifies the process. Figure 1not shown.

[0031] The receiving element 30 can, as in Figure 1 As shown schematically, the receiving element 30 is connected to the wiper arm 50 in such a way that it is formed integrally with the wiper arm 50. The receiving element 30 thus forms a component of the wiper arm 50. However, it is also conceivable that the receiving element 30 and the wiper arm 50 are formed in two parts. Preferably, in this case, they are detachably connected to each other. The wiper arm 50 is attached to the vehicle at one end and is driven by known drive means in a wiping motion for windshield cleaning (not shown).

[0032] The receiving element 30 preferably has a stop 30.1 to limit the movement of the adapter 20 in the receiving element 30, so that a user can more easily find the correct locking position of the adapter 20 in the receiving element 30.

[0033] As in Figure 1As can be seen, the receiving element 30 is preferably hollow and designed to receive the adapter 20. The adapter 20 can be inserted into the receiving element 30 through an adapter opening 32. Figure 1 Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the adapter opening 32 is arranged on an end face 12 of the device 10, which is, for example, elongated. The end face 12 is preferably located opposite a wiper arm side 14, to which the receiving element 30 of the device 10 is connected with the wiper arm 50.

[0034] In another embodiment, it is also conceivable that the adapter opening 32 is arranged on an underside 16 of the device 10, with the underside 16 facing towards the vehicle window of a motor vehicle when the device 10 is installed on the vehicle. To insert or remove the adapter 20, the wiper arm 50 must then be lifted from the window pane.

[0035] With regard to adapter 20, it is of particular importance that the two locking areas 22 and 24 are deformable relative to each other under the influence of force. Preferably, the locking areas 22 and 24 are opposite each other, which facilitates this type of deformation. Preferably, the locking areas 22 and 24 are elastically deformable in all embodiments.

[0036] Furthermore, in Figure 1 It is evident that the adapter 20 has at least one first locking area 22 with a first locking lug 22.1 and a first end piece 22.2, and furthermore a second locking area 24 with a second locking lug 24.1 and a second end piece 24.2. The end pieces 22.2 and 24.2 point towards the front face 12 of the device 10. In the Figure 1In the locking position shown, the first locking lug 22.1 engages in a first locking opening 36. Accordingly, the second locking lug 24.1 engages in a second locking opening 38. At least by these locking mechanisms, the adapter 20 is locked to the receiving element 30. It is conceivable that there are additional locking areas that are engaged with the receiving element 30 as described.

[0037] In the Figure 1 In the shown locking position, the two locking areas 22 and 24 are not deformed relative to each other and have a locking distance d 1. The locking distance d 1 between the two locking areas 22 and 24 is orthogonal to an actuation direction R of the actuating means 40.

[0038] Furthermore, in Figure 1It can be seen that the locking areas 22 and 24 have a wedge-shaped cross-section, with the base of the wedge shape being arranged on an adapter body 20.1 and the wedge shape tapering towards the end pieces 22.2 and 24.2. This allows for a particularly robust deformation of the locking areas 22 and 24 relative to each other.

[0039] Preferably, the adapter 20 is formed in one piece. However, it is also conceivable that the aforementioned elements of the adapter consist of individual components and are assembled.

[0040] In all embodiments, the adapter 20 can additionally be designed such that the locking areas 22 and 24 at the end pieces 22.2 and 24.2 are connected to each other circumferentially, so that a locking area 22 or 24 is defined by its locking lug 22.1 or 24.1, respectively. When viewed along an unlocking direction R in Figure 1This would result in a circumferential boundary line (not shown). However, it is also conceivable that the locking areas 22 and 24 are separated from each other by means of recesses in the adapter 20.

[0041] To unlock the adapter 20, the receiving element 30 has an engagement opening 34. Preferably, this is arranged on the end face 12 of the receiving element 30. The engagement opening 34 is designed such that, in the locked position, the actuating means 40 can be opened as described in the diagram. Figure 1 The actuator 40 engages the receiving element 30 in a first actuation position. In the first actuation position, the actuator is engaged with the receiving element 30, and the locking areas 22 and 24 are not yet deformed relative to each other by the actuator 40. The actuator 40 may, for example, be releasably latched to the receiving element 30 in the first actuation position.

[0042] The actuating device 40 exhibits, as in Figure 1 The basic element is recognizable as a push button 42, on which a first unlocking area 44 with a first start contour 44.1 and a second unlocking area 46 with a second start contour 46.1 are arranged.

[0043] Figure 2 This represents an unlocked position of the device 10. For this purpose, the actuating element 40 is moved further into the receiving element 30 along the actuating direction R. In the unlocked position, the actuating element 40 engages with the unlocking areas 44 and 46 as shown in Figure 2 shown in the engagement opening 34 of the receiving element 30 in a second actuation position. In this second actuation position of the confirming means 40, in which the unlocking position is reached, the locking areas 22 and 24 are deformed relative to each other by the actuating means 40.

[0044] Even before reaching the second activation position, as in Figure 1 The approach contour 44.1 is clearly visible on the corresponding end piece 22.2, and the approach contour 46.1 is also visible on the corresponding end piece 24.2. By moving the actuating element 40 from the first actuating position to the second actuating position along the actuating direction R, the end piece 22.2 moves along the approach contour 44.1. Similarly, the end piece 24.2 moves along the approach contour 46.1. Thus, the locking areas 22 and 24 are deformed simultaneously and only by a single movement of the actuating element 40 relative to each other.

[0045] Preferably, the actuating means 40 is designed such that, when engaging the engagement opening 34, the approach contours 44.1 and 46.1 are inclined at least in a partial area relative to the actuating direction R. This simplifies the deformation or enables a predetermined deformation of the locking areas 22 and 24 relative to each other.

[0046] As in Figure 2 It is also conceivable that in the second actuation position or in the unlocking position, the end pieces 22.2 and 24.2 bear against a different section than the inclined section of the respective approach contour 44.1 or 46.1. Here, the end pieces 22.2 and 24.2 could, for example, be detachably connected to the actuating element 40. A detent mechanism is conceivable for this purpose. In this other section, the approach contours 44.1 or 46.1 could, for example, be oriented orthogonally to the direction of actuation.

[0047] It is also conceivable that, in the unlocked position, the locking lugs 22.1 and 24.1 bear against the inclined section of the approach contour 44.1 and 46.1, respectively. This would better secure the deformation of the two locking areas 22 and 24 relative to each other in the unlocked position.

[0048] Since the two locking areas 22 and 24 are deformed relative to each other in the unlocked position, they have an unlocking distance d 2 that is smaller than the locking distance d 1. The unlocking distance d 2 between the two locking areas 22 and 24 is orthogonal to the actuation direction R of the actuating means 40.

[0049] This causes, firstly, that in the unlocked position the two locking lugs 22.1 and 24.1 are released from their respective locking openings 36 and 38. Secondly, in the unlocked position the adapter 20 is deformed in such a way that it can be removed from the receiving element 30.

[0050] This extraction is exemplified in Figure 3 shown. In a Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter opening 32 corresponds to the engagement opening 34. The unlocking distance d2 is selected such that the adapter 20, in its unlocked position, can be removed through the adapter opening 32 or engagement opening 34 on the end face 12 of the device 10. The actuating means 40 remains in its second actuating position, in which the locking areas 22 and 24 are deformed relative to each other.

[0051] Conversely, it is also conceivable that the adapter 20, in its unlocked position, can be inserted into the receiving element 30 through the adapter opening 32 for assembly. Preferably, the adapter 20 is inserted with the actuating means 40 in its second actuating position. However, it is also conceivable that the adapter 20 is inserted into the receiving element 30 in its locked position, and that the locking areas 22 and 24 are only deformed relative to each other by the adapter opening 32 so that the adapter 20 can be fully received into the receiving element 30.

[0052] However, it is also conceivable that the adapter opening 32 is different from the engagement opening 34, for example, if the adapter opening 32 is located on the underside 16 of the device 10 and the engagement opening is located on the front face 12 of the device 10. In this case, the adapter 20 can be removed in its unlocked position through the adapter opening 32 on the underside 16 of the device 10.

[0053] In principle, in all embodiments, a spring element 60 can optionally be provided in the device 10 to effect a restoring force between the locking regions 22 and 24. The optional spring element is as described in the Figures 1 to 3The return force is preferably arranged between the locking areas 22 and 24. Firstly, it serves to increase the strength of the locking action between the locking lugs 20 and the receiving element 30, thereby securing the adapter 20 more securely in the receiving element 30. Secondly, it allows the locking areas 22 and 24 to be reliably returned to the locked position after they have been deformed relative to each other in the unlocked position as described above.

[0054] The adapter 10, the receiving element 30, the actuating means 40 and the optional spring element 60 are preferably made of plastics and / or metals that enable the locking, deformation and / or spring effects described above. Reference symbol list

[0055] 10 Device 12 Front 14 Wiper arm side 16 Underside 20 Adapter 20.1 Adapter base body 22 First locking area 22.1 First locking lug 22.2 First end piece 24 Second locking area 24.1 Second locking lug 24.2 Second end piece 30 Receptacle 30.1 Stop 32 Adapter opening 34 Engagement opening 36 First locking opening 38 Second locking opening 40 Actuator 42 Push button 44 First unlocking area 44.1 First engagement contour 46 Second unlocking area 46.1 Second engagement contour 50 Wiper arm 60 Spring element R Actuation direction d1 Locking distance d2 Unlocking distance

Claims

1. Apparatus (10) for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm (50) for a screen wiping system of a motor vehicle, comprising an adapter (20) which is of connectable configuration to the wiper blade; a receiving element (30) which is of connectable configuration to the wiper arm (50) and has an adapter opening (32) for receiving the adapter (20); the adapter (20) having at least two locking regions (22, 24) which can be deformed with respect to one another and are configured to lock the adapter (20) to the receiving element (30) in a locked position; characterized in that the apparatus additionally comprises an actuating means (40) for unlocking the locking regions (22, 24), the actuating means (40) engaging into an engagement opening (34) of the receiving element (30) in an unlocked position, and the two locking regions (22, 24) being deformed in the process by way of the actuating means (40) with respect to one another in such a way that the adapter (20) can be removed through the adapter opening (32).

2. Apparatus (10) according to Claim 1, it being possible for the actuating means (40) to be actuated along an actuating direction (R), and a spacing between the two locking regions (22, 24) which is orthogonal with respect to an actuating direction (R) being greater in the locked position than in the unlocked position.

3. Apparatus (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, the engagement opening (34) being arranged on an end side (12) of the apparatus (10).

4. Apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, at least one of the locking regions (22, 24) having a wedge-shaped cross section.

5. Apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the adapter opening (32) corresponding to the engagement opening (34).

6. Apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the locking regions (22, 24) each having a latching lug (22.1, 24.1), and the latching lug (22.1, 24.1) engaging into a latching opening (36, 38) of the receiving element (30) in the locked position.

7. Apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the actuating means (40) having a pushbutton (42), and at least two unlocking regions (44, 46) each being arranged with a run-on contour (44.1, 46.1) on the pushbutton (42), which unlocking regions (44, 46) are suitable for deforming the locking regions (22, 24) with respect to one another in the unlocked position.

8. Apparatus (10) according to Claim 7, the locking regions (22, 24) each having an end piece (22.2, 24.2), and the run-on contour (44.1, 46.1) bearing against the end piece (22.2, 24.2) in the case of the engagement of the actuating means (40) into the engagement opening (34).

9. Apparatus (10) according to Claim 8, the run-on contour (44.1, 46.1) being configured in such a way that, in the case of a displacement of the actuating means (40) along the actuating direction (R) toward the unlocked position, the end piece (22.2, 24.2) carries out a movement along the run-on contour (44.1, 46.1).

10. Apparatus (10) according to Claim 9, the actuating means (40) being configured in such a way that, in the case of the engagement into the engagement opening (34), the run-on contour (44.1, 46.1) is inclined at least in one part region with respect to the actuating direction (R) .

11. Motor vehicle, comprising at least one apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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